Salmon with Avocado (AIP, Paleo)
This easy Paleo and AIP salmon recipe pairs seared salmon with a creamy dairy-free avocado sauce and crisp quick-pickled cucumbers.
Ingredients
Cucumber Salad
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- ½ tbsp honey
- Splash of water
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 English hothouse cucumber, very thinly sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
Avocado Sauce
- 1 large avocado, halved and pitted
- 4 scallions, green parts only
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ tsp ground coriander (optional)
- 2 cups cilantro leaves with tender stems
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Splash of water, as needed (optional)
Salmon
- 4 (4- to 6-ounce) salmon filets
- Kosher salt
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°.
Cucumber Salad
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, honey, water and salt. Add the cucumber and cilantro and toss well, gently massaging the cucumbers until they begin to soften slightly. Set aside.
Avocado Sauce
- Combine the avocado, scallions, garlic, coriander (if using), cilantro, lime juice and salt in a food processor or blender. Blend until mostly smooth, then, with the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce is silky and smooth. Season with additional lime juice or salt to taste, and thin with a splash of water if needed.
Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry and season generously with kosher salt.
- Heat the avocado oil in a nonstick oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon presentation-side down and sear until well browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the salmon and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Roast until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 120° to 125° for medium or 140° to 145° for well done, about 5 to 7 minutes, depending on thickness.
To Serve
- Spread the avocado sauce onto a serving platter or individual plates.
- Arrange the salmon over the sauce with the seared side facing up, spoon the quick-pickled cucumbers alongside, and finish with flaky sea salt and lime wedges for serving.